Which hormone is primarily released during exercise and contributes to muscle growth?

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Testosterone is the hormone primarily released during exercise that significantly contributes to muscle growth. It plays a crucial role in increasing protein synthesis and promoting muscle hypertrophy, which is the growth of muscle cells. During physical activity, especially resistance training, the body increases testosterone levels to enhance recovery, improve muscle mass, and increase strength.

Testosterone's anabolic properties enable it to support not only muscle gain but also improve overall body composition and strength. This makes it particularly important for individuals engaged in regular exercise, as higher testosterone levels correlate with better training outcomes, including increased muscle size and strength.

While estrogen, cortisol, and insulin also play roles in the body, they are not primarily responsible for muscle growth in the context of exercise. Estrogen is more closely associated with female reproductive functions and can have some effects on muscle metabolism but is not the key hormone for muscle growth related to exercise. Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, can lead to muscle breakdown when present in high levels, particularly during prolonged stress or intense exercise. Insulin is important for glucose metabolism and fat storage and helps support recovery but does not directly contribute to muscle growth in the same way that testosterone does.

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